PLT294: AIRMETs and SIGMETs
What code PLT294 covers, why the FAA tests it, and how to study AIRMETs and SIGMETs before your checkride.
Recall information on Inflight Aviation Weather Advisories 8
What this means for your checkride
In-flight aviation weather advisories warn of hazards. AIRMETs cover widespread but less severe conditions (moderate turbulence or icing, IFR, mountain obscuration); SIGMETs cover severe hazards (severe turbulence or icing, dust or volcanic ash); and convective SIGMETs cover thunderstorms. Each has a defined area and valid time.
These advisories drive rerouting and go/no-go decisions, so the FAA tests what AIRMETs and SIGMETs cover and the difference in severity.
Pilots treat an AIRMET and a SIGMET as the same warning. An AIRMET flags conditions hazardous to light aircraft; a SIGMET flags severe conditions hazardous to all aircraft, and a convective SIGMET always means thunderstorms.
Where to study it
A code on your test report is an area of deficiency. An authorized instructor must review it with you and endorse that review before you take the practical test, and the examiner may revisit it during the oral. Study it until you can explain it out loud, not just recognize the answer.